Dear future host family,

My name is Rachel, I am 26 years old and I am eager to become an au pair. I am extremely open minded, patient, reliable, and love working with children and seeing the world through their curious eyes. I am extremely adaptable and love being immersed in different cultures.

I grew in in New Jersey, USA with one older brother and two fantastic parents. I grew up training in classical ballet, and then redirected my focus to study psychology in university. While earning my bachelor's of science degree, I worked as a field guide in wilderness therapy, where I was helped counsel troubled adolescents in relearning healthy coping mechanisms, communication skills, and the reevaluation of inner values through the healing principles of nature.

I also have experience volunteering in several child care and education projects, in Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and Tanzania. At these volunteering opportunities I was responsible for caring for children aged 4 to 7 and teaching English and mathematics to students aged 5 to 18. Since I have graduated in 2023, I backpacked through South America for over 20 months with a focus on learning technical mountaineering skills and completing solo multi-day treks through the high Andes. During this time I supported myself through freelance writing jobs.